Boyer needs opinions

[bboyer66]

First off, I am looking to scratch the WWI strategic itch. Either Storm of Steel by Decision Games, or Balance of Powers by Compass games. Any opinions on these two games.

Second Question
What do you think is the best spiritual successor to the old PanzerBlitz or Panzer Leader AH games.  Is there anything out there that has the same feel of those classics, at the platoon level?

[Bison]

Jim Day's Panzer and expansions is a great armor focused game series.  I don't know that is a successor per say but the scenarios and rules to create your own battles provides a great deal of replay-ability.  It's also very solo friendly.

[bayonetbrant]

What do you think is the best spiritual successor to the old PanzerBlitz or Panzer Leader AH games.  Is there anything out there that has the same feel of those classics, at the platoon level?

PanzerGrenadier has tried to be that game, but I've tried 3-4 times to get into it and I just can't.

You might check out LNLP's Nations at War series when it's back in print soon.  Same scale, same feel, but buckets o' dice combat resolution instead of a CRT.

You could check out Engage & Destroy, but the counter clutter gives me seizures
http://talk.consimworld.com/WebX/.1ddc80fd/0

[Crossroads]

I often browse the BoardgameGeek Market, managed to find MMP's PanzerBlitz2 Hill of Death for three tenners two years ago. So perhaps worth a shout. Gorgeous graphics, uses the brand name, but rules are completely overhauled with impulses etc. There's often a few copies available on 2nd hand market. I quite don't get why it got such a bad rep when it came out, possibly because old PB / PL players did not like the extensive changes?

+1 on LnL Nations At War, is a fun system.

[mirth]

First off, I am looking to scratch the WWI strategic itch. Either Storm of Steel by Decision Games, or Balance of Powers by Compass games. Any opinions on these two games.

I own BoP. Haven't played it yet, but planning to get it on the table soon. It looks great and the reviews have been very good. I like the fact that it allows up to 7 players.

[bayonetbrant]

I often browse the BoardgameGeek Market, managed to find MMP's PanzerBlitz2 Hill of Death for three tenners two years ago. So perhaps worth a shout. Gorgeous graphics, uses the brand name, but rules are completely overhauled with impulses etc. There's often a few copies available on 2nd hand market. I quite don't get why it got such a bad rep when it came out, possibly because old PB / PL players did not like the extensive changes?

There were a handful of things about the game that were fundamentally broken.  IIRC, the LOS rules defied the laws of physics altogether.

here's part of the discussion
http://talk.consimworld.com/WebX?14@@.1dd03ccd/2197

[Crossroads]

I often browse the BoardgameGeek Market, managed to find MMP's PanzerBlitz2 Hill of Death for three tenners two years ago. So perhaps worth a shout. Gorgeous graphics, uses the brand name, but rules are completely overhauled with impulses etc. There's often a few copies available on 2nd hand market. I quite don't get why it got such a bad rep when it came out, possibly because old PB / PL players did not like the extensive changes?

There were a handful of things about the game that were fundamentally broken.  IIRC, the LOS rules defied the laws of physics altogether.

here's part of the discussion
http://talk.consimworld.com/WebX?14@@.1dd03ccd/2197

Cheers, I was  a latecomer to the game so I had the 2.0 rules to begin with. I see the errata for 1.0 rules refers to LOS quite a few times.

There were a few parts of rules I had to read several times, though. Maybe I missed something as well. I am quite relaxed regarding rules, if we can't figure out something for sure we then come up with an interpretation and game on rather than get stuck  :))

[GJK]

Nothing to add except that the "Storm of Steel" game needs a "fix-it" kit to make it work and unlike GMT, DG charged for it apparently so be aware of that if you're looking to purchase. 

[bboyer66]

Thanks for all the help. Much appreciated.

[Cyrano]

If you're intent on playing on a tabletop, get a ton of PB/PL for next to nothing and play some macro games.  The system still does not suck.  Also, the devoted have created lovely variant counters for just about every nation in WWII.  I've not invested, but may yet by the oversized counters and maps that are very nice to look at.  It's not the simulation some seem to want, but I've not been moved to replace it.

If you're willing to have a go at a PC game, definitely check out the great stuff being done in the PzB series by Tiller.  Doug and I haven't taken the plunge just yet but someday I may have a go at the Normandy campaign at the PL level which this system makes possible.

[bayonetbrant]

Division-level PL game...

[Cyrano]

...and the pretty, pretty counters!

[Barthheart]

Go here for all things Panzer Blitz/Leader

http://www.imaginative-strategist.layfigures.com/IMSTRAT%20PB%20Page.html